Have you wondered what Does an immigration lawyer do? Whether you will travel, study, work, or emigrate to another country, you will definitely encounter immigration lawyers.
They are professionals who help people in the immigration procedure.
Here in this article, you will learn about who they are, what they do, where you can get their help, and when you should visit them.
Let us brief it simply so that you can understand it immediately.
Who is an Immigration Lawyer?
An immigration lawyer is a lawyer who specializes in immigration laws. He or she guides you, an individual who wants to immigrate to another country for some reason or another.
For example, you will need the services of an immigration lawyer if you want to further your studies in another country, get an employment visa, accompany your family, or gain nationality in another country.
Immigration lawyers are well versed with all visa applications, permanent residency, deportation matters, asylum, and citizenship procedures. Their primary responsibility is to advise clients on such complex procedures so that they do not commit expensive errors.
What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do
So, what does an immigration lawyer do? According to American Public University, an immigration lawyer does a lot for you to complete your move, study, or travel goal seamlessly. Some of the most important things that an immigration lawyer does are mentioned below:
1. Provides Legal Advice on Immigration Matters
Immigration lawyers provide you with legal advice. They let you know what type of visa you are going to qualify for and the documents you will need to file. They make your decisions easy so that you can make informed choices.
For example, if you have to work in Canada, an immigration lawyer will guide you on what work permit to use and how to apply.
2. Helps with Visa Applications
It is a nervous process to apply for a visa. Visa application forms are completed by immigration lawyers correctly. They ensure that you meet all the requirements prior to your application. This reduces your likelihood of being turned down.
3. Represents Clients in Court
If you have immigration problems requiring that you appear in front of a judge, the immigration lawyer will be your advocate. For instance, if your visa was wrongly denied or deported, they will appear in court on your behalf.
4. Assists with Green Card and Permanent Residency Applications
Most people hope to become permanent residents of countries like the US, Canada, or the UK. Immigration lawyers help you apply for a green card or permanent residency. They ensure that your documents are complete and submitted on time.
5. Citizenship and Naturalization Process Counselors
When it is time for you to become a citizen of a foreign country, the procedure is disorienting. Immigration attorneys walk you through naturalization, ensuring that you know all the steps. They assist you in preparations for interviews and citizenship tests where necessary.
6. Assists In Applications For Asylum and Refugees
People who have fled their countries due to war or persecution can apply for asylum or refugee status. Immigration lawyers help such people file their asylum applications and represent them in hearings.
7. Offers Help With Deportation Issues
When you are to be deported from a nation by the state, it can be daunting. Immigration lawyers stand for you and try to avoid deportation if at all. They will make you aware of your rights and defend you in court.
Why Do You Need to Hire an Immigration Lawyer?
The majority of individuals think that they can proceed with immigration processes without a lawyer. Nonetheless, below are some reasons why you should hire an immigration lawyer:
1. They Are More Familiar with the Law Than You Are
Immigration laws are constantly amended. What was legal yesterday is illegal today. Immigration lawyers remain up to date with such amendments to protect their clients.
2. They Avoid Costly Mistakes
One mistake in your visa or permanent residence application could cost you money, time, and your dream. Immigration lawyers ensure your forms are accurately filled and all supporting documents are submitted.
3. They Reduce Stress
Immigration is stressful and takes time. With a lawyer, it is easier since they do everything professionally.
4. They Can Represent Your Rights
If deportation is on your head or your application has been unfairly rejected, immigration lawyers can represent you in court. They are more capable of representing your case.
When Should You Hire an Immigration Lawyer?
Here are situations where an immigration lawyer is very crucial to engage:
- Your green card or visa petition is denied.
- When you have been deported and you want to enter the country again.
- You have been convicted of a crime and it affects your immigration status.
- When you do not know what immigration option you are eligible for.
- When you want to apply for refugee or asylum status.
- If you’re under a lot of stress from all the paperwork and legalese.
- If you wish to sponsor a relative to migrate to your country.
How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Cost?
It is expensive to hire an immigration lawyer based on many considerations. These range from the complexity of your case, the experience of your lawyer, to where you are located.
Some lawyers charge a flat fee for simple services like application for visa. For complex cases like defense from deportation, they charge an hourly fee.
Immigration lawyers mostly charge between $150 to $500 per hour. On a flat fee basis, this would be between $500 to $5000 depending on service. It is always wise to ask for a breakdown of fees before one hires them.
Can You Handle Immigration Issues Without the Help of an Lawyer?
You can handle simple immigration issues without an attorney. For example, obtaining a tourist visa does not require an attorney if you are well aware of the process.
However, it is more sensible to consult an immigration attorney in case of complex cases like deportation defense, asylum, or when your earlier application has been rejected.
What Do You Need to Take into Account When You Hire an Immigration Lawyer?
Picking a good immigration lawyer is very important. Below are points that you should consider:
1. Experience
Choose an attorney who has experience in cases similar to yours. For example, if you are in need of asylum, choose one who handles asylum cases.
2. Good Communication
The attorney should be able to simplify complex legal jargon. You need someone who hears your problems and responds to your questions quietly.
3. Licensed and Certified
Ensure your lawyer is qualified to practice law in your country. You can check this by contacting their professional organization.
4. Positive Reviews
Check online reviews or ask for referrals. A good immigration lawyer will have many positive reviews from previous clients.
5. Transparent Fees
Your lawyer must be clear regarding their fees. Avoid lawyers who give you evasive or hidden fees.
How Can an Immigration Lawyer Help International Students?
If you are thinking of studying abroad, an immigration lawyer can help you with the following:
- Immigration lawyer counsel you on the suitable student visa for your study program and destination.
- They help you with extensions of stay if your study program is longer than expected.
- The lawyers counsel on work permits if you want to work during studies.
- They help with a change of visa status once you graduate, e.g. from student to work permit or permanent residence.
Do Immigration Lawyers Appear in Court?
Yes, immigration lawyers appear in court if your case is not an exception. For instance, if you are being deported or your request was unjustly denied, your attorney will appear on your behalf before an immigration judge.
Not all immigration procedures, however, require the attorney to appear in court. Most applications are processed online or at immigration centers. The function of the lawyer in such a situation is to walk you through the documents.
Are Immigration Consultants the Same as Immigration Lawyers?
No, they are not. Immigration lawyers are professionally trained legal practitioners who can represent you in court. They possess law degrees and practice law licenses.
But immigration consultants are not lawyers. They can fill out forms and guide you through simple processes but cannot deal with courtroom representation. In complex cases, it is better to hire an immigration lawyer.
How Is an Immigration Lawyer Different from a General Lawyer?
Their area of specialization is the only variation. An immigration lawyer deals with immigration procedure and law only. A general lawyer does others like business law, criminal law, or family law.
If you have immigration-related issues, then it is best to choose an immigration lawyer because they specialize in the same.
Can an Immigration Lawyer Rush My Application?
Immigration lawyers can’t speed up approval of your application. But they can prevent delays due to errors in your documents.
Once your forms are well completed and accurate, it saves time because immigration officials do not need to keep sending them back in order to correct errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take an immigration lawyer to process my application?
The work of the lawyer is to prepare and submit your application well in time and correctly. The processing time is dependent on your destination country’s immigration office. Your lawyer will keep you updated at every stage.
Can an immigration lawyer guarantee that my visa will be approved?
No lawyer can guarantee a visa because it is up to the immigration officials. However, an immigration lawyer will improve your chances by perfecting, making accurate, and presenting your application well.
Can an immigration lawyer help with deportation cases?
Yes. If you are being deported, an immigration lawyer will stand in court for you and help you find lawful ways of remaining in the nation if that is permissible.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, what does an immigration lawyer do? They advise you legally, prepare visa and green card applications, represent you in court, and guide you through citizenship or asylum processes.
Their job is to make your immigration process seamless and error-free.
If you’re emigrating, immigrating, or working abroad, an immigration attorney will reduce your stress and increase your likelihood of success.
